Dana Pollack, CEO and Founder of Dana's Bakery
How did you get your start in your career as a pastry chef and business owner?
Before I quit my job to go to culinary school, I was a photo editor of Muscle & Fitness Magazine. I graduated with a BFA in Photography from Parson’s School of Design and worked in the editorial / magazine world for 10 years. I have a lot of fond memories and stories from that time. But as fun as it was, something was always missing for me.
I always loved to bake but never thought about doing it for a living. I would bake to relieve stress, show people I care and gift them desserts. I have always loved entertaining, dinner parties etc. One day while sitting at my cubicle, I had one of those light bulb moments and said out loud "do I really want this for the rest of my life?" The next day I quit my job and enrolled in culinary school.
As my studies continued and I worked in various kitchens, I fell in love with the French macaron. They were so pretty with this unique texture I had never experienced before. They were also very hard to make and I loved the challenge. Although French macarons were becoming more popular, I could only find them in the same very classic French flavors like Lavender, Rose and Pistachio. What gives? Why can’t I find these amazing desserts in American flavors like s'mores, red velvet and birthday cake? That’s when the concept of Dana’s Bakery was born!
How are you able to juggle 2 full time jobs — Dana’s Bakery and a mom to two little girls?
In true Libra fashion I am always trying to find balance, but in actuality I usually just end up burning the candle at both ends! Juggling two very active girls, their schedules and my business is (another) full time job. Owning your own business means you are always on, always available and always working or problem solving. Although 9-5 is a myth for me, I do have the flexibility of making my own schedule. Taking my work with me on the road enables me to be there for the important moments when my girls need or want me the most.
It's also important to note that I have an amazingly supportive and involved husband (hi Adam!) and a full time / live in nanny. Building a support system — or more so a team around you, is essential so you can accomplish all your goals without anything falling through the cracks.
What does your day to day look like? How does easy to throw on clothing make things easier for you?
WHAT DOES YOUR DAY TO DAY LOOK LIKE? HOW DOES EASY TO THROW ON CLOTHING MAKE THINGS EASIER FOR YOU?
I usually start my day with an intense early morning workout. I haven't always done this (I love to sleep in more than anymore), but I find that movement in the mornings helps me get in a good head space and set my intentions for the day! After I've showered and downed a matcha, I throw on clothes and I'm out the door.
Every day is different, and is full of various work and life events. Between traveling for work, being in the office, taking meetings in the city or one of my girls to a game or dance practice, I am constantly on the go and rushing from one activity to the other. Without my google calendar I would be a lost cause!
Since I have so much going on in my everyday, when it comes to clothing and getting "ready", I am very, VERY low maintenance by default. I exude little to no effort in the clothing department and will typically throw on something that I know works and dress it up with a nice bag or shoes. I'm all about the mix of fancy & casual. This is one of the reasons why I love the Jason Scott sets. They are some of the comfiest threads I have ever worn. And although I feel like I'm wearing PJ's, I look put together because they are as stylish as they are comfy.
GIVE US THE STORY OF YOU AND JASON MEETING ON A FLIGHT BY HAPPENSTANCE.
I used to travel to LA for work all the time. I would always fly Virgin America and upgrade to Main cabin select because they had free drinks, free snacks and for some reason I would always end up sitting next to and meeting the most amazing people. One of these people was Jason!
At the time he was in LA and I was in NYC, but we bonded on our 6 hour flight and thanks to social media never lost touch. This was pre Dana's Bakery and he had just started his brand. I am seriously so proud of him and how much his company as grown and developed over the years.
Owning your own business isn't for the faint of heart. Although extremely gratifying it is a labor of love. There are so many ups, downs and swivels along the way. It is impossible to know how that feels unless you have experienced it first hand. It's essential to have a network of fellow business owners and friends to confide in both personally and professionally.
GIVE US THE STORY OF YOU AND JASON MEETING ON A FLIGHT BY HAPPENSTANCE.
I used to travel to LA for work all the time. I would always fly Virgin America and upgrade to Main cabin select because they had free drinks, free snacks and for some reason I would always end up sitting next to and meeting the most amazing people. One of these people was Jason!
At the time he was in LA and I was in NYC, but we bonded on our 6 hour flight and thanks to social media never lost touch. This was pre Dana's Bakery and he had just started his brand. I am seriously so proud of him and how much his company as grown and developed over the years.
Owning your own business isn't for the faint of heart. Although extremely gratifying it is a labor of love. There are so many ups, downs and swivels along the way. It is impossible to know how that feels unless you have experienced it first hand. It's essential to have a network of fellow business owners and friends to confide in both personally and professionally.
WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO JS PIECES?
Lately, I have been dressing up the white Margot Pants and matching Katie Tank. It totally works with heels and a coat in the winter and keeps me cozy all day when I'm running from meeting to meeting. I love the simplicity of the pieces because they can work with anything in my wardrobe and I can style them to be my own. I really appreciate the quality of tailoring and fabrics used.
Give us the story of you and Jason meeting on a flight by happenstance.
I used to travel to LA for work all the time. I would always fly Virgin America and upgrade to Main cabin select because they had free drinks, free snacks and for some reason I would always end up sitting next to and meeting the most amazing people. One of these people was Jason!
At the time he was in LA and I was in NYC, but we bonded on our 6 hour flight and thanks to social media, never lost touch. This was pre Dana's Bakery and he had just started his brand. I am seriously so proud of him and how much his company as grown and developed over the years.
Owning your own business isn't for the faint of heart. Although extremely gratifying, it is a labor of love. There are so many ups, downs and swivels along the way. It is impossible to know how that feels unless you have experienced it first hand. It's essential to have a network of fellow business owners and friends to confide in both personally and professionally.
Learn more about Dana & her bakery
